Is your Frigidaire dishwasher giving you the silent treatment?

Well:

It’s not necessarily a sign of a broken relationship. Most of the time, it’s usually a simple problem with an even simpler solution.

That said:

In this post, I’ll show you how to systematically troubleshoot and fix a Frigidaire dishwasher that won’t start.

So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get into troubleshooting.

Why Your Frigidaire Dishwasher Won’t Start

There are a couple of reasons why your Frigidaire dishwasher won’t start. The most common causes include a faulty door switch, a defective door latch, and a problem with the control board. Other possible causes include a damaged control panel, a faulty thermal switch, or a broken timer.

So, how do you know the specific cause?

Well:

The simplest way is to troubleshoot the common causes until you can pinpoint the specific one.

That said, my goal is always to give you a unique perspective.

Hence, I sought out and engaged in a conversation with Mark Newman, an accomplished Fort Worth appliance repair technician.

Therefore:

The insights below draw from over 16 years of experience (combined) and go beyond my own opinion. Thus, guaranteeing a wealth of information.

Here’s everything you need to know…

5 Common and Basic Issues for a Frigidaire Dishwasher That Won’t Start & How to Troubleshoot Each

Now:

According to Mark, there are two primary reasons why a Frigidaire dishwasher won’t start.

• One, user error or oversight.
• Or two, there’s a problem with the dishwasher itself.

That’s why…

Before delving into complex troubleshooting, he suggests checking and confirming a few basic things.

For instance:

Mark asserts that a dishwasher that won’t start doesn’t always indicate a problem with the appliance itself. Sometimes, the cause may lie elsewhere.

Recommendations?

Well, here’s how to go about troubleshooting basic issues in a Frigidaire dishwasher.

1. Is The Delay Start Function On?

Now:

As Mark explains, “One of the most common reasons for a Frigidaire dishwasher not starting is the Delay Start function.”

What is it?

Well, this is an impressive feature that allows users to schedule or run their dishwashers at the most ideal of times. Hence, the delayed start – best explained by GE Appliances.

Problem:

If you are new to dishwashers or not familiar with the model you’re using, you can inadvertently activate the delayed start feature.

“If this function is ON, the appliance won’t start immediately. That is until the preset time elapses or you notice the issue and deactivate it,” says Mark.

Identification:

Check the dishwasher’s control panel for a delay start indicator. It could be in the form of a light or countdown timer.

If the indicator is present, the dishwasher is set to start after a certain period.

Solution:

Deactivate this feature by pressing the START/CANCEL button on the dishwasher’s control panel for a few seconds. And then close the door.

This should allow the dishwasher to start immediately.

2.  Is The Child Lock On?

Another basic oversight that will prevent your Frigidaire dishwasher from starting is an activated child lock.

Like in most other appliances, a dishwasher’s child lock is a safety feature to prevent a child from starting the dishwasher or changing the settings while it’s running.

Problem:

“When the child lock is on, the dishwasher becomes unresponsive and won’t start even after pressing the start button,” Mark explains.

Identification:

To assess whether the child lock feature is on, check if there is a lock indicator (padlock) light on the display.

According to Mark, it’s very rare to accidentally activate this feature since it requires you to press and hold a button for several seconds.

But, note:

Keeping tabs on this feature’s activation status can be hard if you live in a multi-member household.

Why?

One person can activate it without informing the rest.

Solution:

If the feature is activated, the only way to gain control is to deactivate it. However, you should note that this process differs from one Frigidaire washer model to another.

To cancel the child lock, press the NO HEAT DRY or RINSE ONLY pad until the lock indicator light goes out.

“If the lock indicator isn’t disappearing, reset the dishwasher by unplugging or flipping the circuit breaker and then restart the appliance after 10 minutes”, Mark advises.

Still not starting? Check the next fix.

3. Is The Door Closed Properly?

Now:

As a safety measure, any dishwasher won’t start if the door isn’t fully or properly closed.

Problem:

Dishwashers are designed not to run when the door is open or not fully closed.

Why?

If the machine runs when the door is open, water and detergent will spill from the machine, which is a slip hazard.

Identification:

“While it’s easy to identify when the door won’t close, sometimes the door may seem and feel closed but it’s not fully locked and hence the dishwasher won’t start”, says Mark.

The trick here is to try opening and closing the door and assess how it feels.

Some of the common causes of a dishwasher door not closing properly include

• Something is trapped between the seal and the tub
• When one or more racks are not installed properly
• A malfunctioning or damaged door latch
• Bent or loose door hinges
• A misaligned door striker

Also, check if there is an error message showing on the control panel or a beeping sound coming from the machine that would point you to the right direction.

Solution:

The solution here depends on the specific issue.

If the issue is with the door latch, you should repair or replace the entire door latch and switch assembly. This is the same case with loose hinges or a misaligned door strike.

4. Is the Dishwasher Stuck In A Cycle?

Problem:

Sometimes a dishwasher can get stuck in a cycle, and it won’t respond even if you try pressing the start button.

This is common if you interrupt a wash cycle midway.

Identification & Solution:

To test if the appliance is stuck in a cycle, try resetting it and see if it responds.

Here are two things you can try

• Hold the cancel button for at least 3 seconds.
• Switch off the circuit breaker.

Mark recommends resetting your dishwasher machine; even if you didn’t interrupt the last cycle.

Now:

All the basic troubleshooting steps above work when the dishwasher has lights on. But,what if the dishwasher control panel has no lights?

Well…

5. Is The Dishwasher Getting Power?

You will laugh at yourself for this.

Problem:

Maybe the issue is not with the dishwasher but with the power connection.

The most common culprits here are a

• Tripped circuit breaker
• Or a blown fuse

Identification:

To know if the issue is with the circuit breaker, locate the box that houses the various circuit breakers.

This will be in the basement or garage and assess whether the circuit breaker that controls the dishwasher has tripped.

Solution:

These two are easy to fix since it’s just a matter of replacing the fuse or flipping the circuit breaker.

Caution:

If the breaker keeps tripping after flipping it back on, that is a sign the dishwasher has an issue with its circuitry. You’ll need a skilled electrician for this.

Another thing:

The dishwasher’s plug may have disconnected if it’s plugged into a normal outlet instead of feeding directly from your power supply.

Anyway…

After you have confirmed nothing is wrong outside the dishwasher, then something must be wrong with the dishwasher.

Advanced Troubleshooting for a Frigidaire Dishwasher That Won’t Start

Now:

If you’ve tried everything above without any success, you might be looking at a more advanced issue.

But, don’t fret.

With the right skills and tools, these should be easy fixes.

However, if you doubt your ability to execute any of the troubleshooting/repair procedures below, consider hiring a professional.

Just bear in mind that professional service fees may differ geographically.

That said:

How do you know which parts to troubleshoot?

Well:

According to Mark, identifying which parts to troubleshoot is crucial.

He explains, “There are specific key components that can prevent a dishwasher from starting if they are faulty.”

Some of them include the:

• Door latch/switch
• Control board,
• Thermal fuse,
• Dishwasher’s timer,
• Motor start relay,
• Drive motor,
• And control panel

Cause	Estimated Part Cost
Door Latch and Door Switch kit	$30 – $50
Control Board	$70-$200
Thermal Fuse	$20 – $50
Timer	$150-$500
Drive Motor	$80-$250
Control Panel	$100-$200
Motor Start Relay Switch	$20-$50

In this section…

I’ll focus on these components and how to fix them when they malfunction. So, let’s examine each, in-depth.

1. You Have a Faulty Door Latch or Door Switch

Part	Door Latch/Switch
Location	Both are located inside the door panels on top.
Ease of troubleshooting	Easy
Replacement part cost	$30 – $50 depending on the model
Repairable	Yes – If it is misaligned or obstructed. No – if it’s broken or damaged.

Now:

The first culprit here is often the door latch or switch.

What are they?

Well, a door latch is the mechanical part that keeps the dishwasher’s door shut when it’s running. On the other hand, the door switch is an electrical component that signals the control board whether the door is properly shut or not.

Problem:

It’s highly likely that your dishwasher has a faulty door latch or door switch.

Thus:

The dishwasher might not be receiving the mandatory safety greenlight from the switch to start a wash cycle. Therefore, preventing it from working as usual.

Identification:

To identify if a faulty door latch or door switch is the cause, open and close the dishwasher door and assess if it feels loose.

Mark explains…

“If the door latch is faulty or the switch fails to activate, the control board will ‘think’ the door is open. And so the appliance won’t start.”

Solution:

To troubleshoot and solve the problem. Here’s what you need to do:

• Turn off the power to the dishwasher.
• Open the door and secure it so that it does not close.
• Using a screwdriver, unthread the different-sized screws to release the back cover.
• While holding both the back and front door panels, close the door. The back panel should slide off.
• Now locate the door latch and door switch and remove them. Carefully inspect and test the door switch using a multimeter. Here, you’re testing for continuity.
• If it’s damaged, replace it with another door latch kit.
• Switch on the power and test the dishwasher.
• If all is well, screw the door panels back together.

2. Problem with the Dishwasher Control Board

Part	Control board
Location	Usually located inside the door
Ease of troubleshooting	Very hard
Replacement part cost	$70 – $200 depending on the model
Repairable	Only by an expert appliance repair technician

What’s a control board?

This is basically the brain or the computer that runs the dishwasher. The control board is responsible for controlling and coordinating all the functions of your appliance.

Problem:

If your door latch and switch are both functional, then the next most possible culprit is the control board.

It’s responsible for a lot of things, including, starting and stopping washing cycles. While at the same time, sending and receiving signals from the different sensors.

“A damaged control board is probably the worst case scenario here,“ says Mark.

He adds, “Since it’s responsible for processing and executing all of the dishwasher’s functions, even the slightest damage can prevent your appliance from starting and running smoothly.“

Identification:

According to our expert, Mark Newman, the control board is one of the hardest parts to diagnose and repair.

However:

The biggest indicator would be a dishwasher that’s completely dark (no light on the interface screen/buttons) and unresponsive.

Solution:

For this, hiring a professional appliance repair technician is highly recommended. It’s safer and less costly than doing a trial-and-error, DIY fix.

In Mark’s own words…

“If the control board has a fault, the only DIY thing that most people can do is replace it with a new one.”

But:

If you believe you can fit it, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to replace a faulty control board on a Frigidaire dishwasher.

• Turn off the power to the dishwasher.
• Open the door and secure it so that it does not close.
• Using a screwdriver, unthread the different-sized screws to release the back cover.
• While holding both the back and front door panels, close the door. The back panel should slide off.
• Locate the control board and remove the protective cover.
• Disconnect all the connections.
• Replace it with another control board.
• Switch on the power and test the dishwasher.
• Screw the door panels back together.

Note:

The control board is one of the most expensive internal components of a dishwasher, along with the timer and motor.

3. Thermal Fuse Has Blown

Part	Thermal Fuse
Location	Near the control board Sometimes near the motor
Ease of troubleshooting	Easy
Note	Not every Frigidaire dishwasher has a thermal fuse.
Replacement part cost	$10 – $50
Repairable	No. You shouldn’t repair a faulty dishwasher thermal fuse. You should replace it.

The thermal fuse is a safety device that protects the dishwasher from overheating.

It’s designed to break the flow of current if the internal temperatures reach uncomfortably high levels. Thus, protecting other components from getting damaged.

Problem:

With a blown or faulty thermal fuse, electrical current flow in your dishwasher will be disrupted.

Thus, preventing the dishwasher from starting.

Identification:

The easiest way to tell if a thermal fuse is faulty is to check for visible damage or do a sniff test for a burning smell.

Mark says,

“A perfect-looking thermal fuse can also be faulty. The surest way to test one is to check for continuity using a multimeter.“

Bear in mind:

Not every Frigidaire dishwasher has a thermal fuse.

Some models have a thermistor or a bi-metal thermostat that is mostly located near the heating element. For instance, the Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher has a thermistor.

Also, the location of the thermal fuse differs from one model to another.

In some models, it connects directly to the control board, while in others, the thermal fuse is located near the motor or heating element.

Solution:

To replace a faulty thermal fuse on a Frigidaire dishwasher, here’s what you need to do.

• Turn off the power to the dishwasher.
• Open the door and secure it so that it does not close.
• Using a screwdriver unthread the different-sized screws to release the back cover.
• While holding both the back and front door panels, close the door. The back panel should slide off.
• Locate the thermal fuse and remove it.
• Do a continuity test on it. If it works, put it back. If not, replace it with a new thermal fuse.
• Switch on the power and test the dishwasher.
• Screw the door panels back together.

4. The Dishwasher Timer Is Not Working

Part	Timer
Location	On or near the control board Near the motor or heating element
Ease of troubleshooting	Hard
Note	Some dishwashers have two timers
Replacement part cost	$150-$500 depending on the model
Repairable	Yes, by an expert appliance repair technician

Get this:

A dishwasher timer regulates how long and when different components get power.

For instance:

It determines when the water inlet valve should open and close. Or when the heating element, detergent dispenser, and drain solenoid should operate and for how long.

Problem:

A Frigidaire dishwasher can fail to start if the timer is faulty or not working properly.

Generally, a faulty timer won’t send the signal to the motor or water inlet valve, which is required to start a wash cycle.

Identification:

To test the timer, you will need a multimeter to test for continuity. Start by setting the multimeter to continuity mode.

Then touch the multimeter probes to the appropriate terminals on the timer and observe the reading.

If the reading is close to zero, it indicates continuity, which means the timer is functioning. If there is no continuity, the timer is faulty.

According to Mike…

“Sometimes it may only be a specific part of the timer that has a problem, for instance, the motor. In such a case, you will only need to replace the motor instead of buying a new timer.”

Note:

Some dishwasher models don’t have a standalone timer. Instead, the control board handles the timer functions.

Solution:

Here, the only fix is to replace the timer on your Frigidaire dishwasher. Here’s how…

• Turn off the power to the dishwasher.
• Open the door and secure it so that it does not close.
• Using a screwdriver, unthread the different-sized screws to release the back cover.
• While holding both the back and front door panels, close the door. The back panel should slide off.
• Locate the timer and remove it.
• Replace it with a new/functional timer.
• Switch on the power and test the dishwasher.
• If successful, screw the door panels back together.

5. The Motor Start Relay Has a Problem

Part	Motor relay switch
Location	Near the main pump motor In some models, it’s integrated into the control board.
Note	Not every Frigidaire dishwasher has a relay switch.
Ease of troubleshooting	Easy
Replacement part cost	$20-50
Repairable	No. Must be replaced.

A start relay’s main function is to supply high voltage to start the motor.

Once the motor is up and running, the start relay switches off so that the motor can run on normal voltage.

Note:

Some models have a standalone motor start relay switch that you can replace. However, other models come with one that’s integrated into the control board.

Problem:

If the start relay is faulty, the motor won’t receive the initial high voltage to start running. And that means that most of your washer’s most critical functions won’t be executed.

Identification:

To test the motor relay switch you will require a multimeter and the wiring diagram provided by Frigidaire.

Test the continuity on coils and the probes to the relay terminals using the multimeter.

The two Must produce a reading of zero. Any other reading is an indication that the motor relay is faulty.

Solution:

Since this part isn’t repairable, you’ll need to buy a new replacement relay. And here’s how to replace a faulty motor relay switch on a Frigidaire dishwasher.

• Turn off the power to the dishwasher.
• To access the motor relay switch, unthread the screws holding the panel below the door.
• Locate the motor and relay switch.
• Remove all connections and unscrew the switch.
• Replace it with another switch.
• Put the panel back.

You can also access the motor relay switch by tipping the dishwasher onto its rear panel. This way, you will be able to see all the components from the bottom.

6. Problem with the Drive Motor

Part	Drive Motor
Location	At the bottom of the dishwasher
Ease of troubleshooting	Hard
Replacement part cost	$80-$250
Repairable	No

Problem:

A dishwasher’s drive motor is usually located underneath the dishwasher tub. This motor powers the pump impeller that circulates water when a wash cycle is in progress.

It is also responsible for draining water during and after a wash cycle.

Mark explains:

“If it fails there’ll be no water action on your utensils, thus, preventing effective cleaning. In some models, this part’s failure also causes the appliance not to start a wash cycle.“

Identification:

For starters:

If the motor relay switch is working but the motor is not starting the dishwasher, then the problem may be with the drive motor.

To diagnose this, you will need to remove the baseplate to access it.

First, check for visible signs of damage such as burnt wires. Then check if there is anything trapped on the motor or if there is a blockage.

That said…

To test if the drive motor is working correctly, test the resistance on the terminals using a multimeter. A good motor should exhibit little to no resistance.

Generally, a reading of zero or close means the motor is healthy and functional. If not, you’ll have to replace it.

Solution:

Once you’ve established that this is the cause, here’s what you need to do to replace a drive motor on a Frigidaire dishwasher.

• Turn off the power to the dishwasher.
• To access the drive motor, unthread the screws holding the panel below the door.
• Locate the drive motor.
• Remove any connections and unscrew the screws holding it.
• Replace it with a new or functioning drive motor.
• Put the panel back and test your washer.

7. Problem with the Control Panel

Part	Control Panel
Location	On the front of the machine, above the door
Ease of troubleshooting	Hard
Replacement part cost	$100-$200
Repairable	Yes. By an expert appliance repair technician

Get this:

The control panel is the interface that you use to operate the different functions of your dishwasher.

It can be a touchpad, buttons, or a combination of both, depending on the model. Moreover, there are also different lights, sounds, and LED display.

Problem:

A broken control panel can prevent a dishwasher from starting.

How?

When a button is not working, it fails to send a signal to other components that facilitate the appliance’s running.

For example:

A damaged Start button will definitely prevent your dishwasher from starting.

Identification:

“To diagnose the control panel, start by pressing other buttons, especially those with a light indicator, to see if they respond,” Mark advises.

If you are not able to diagnose the control panel manually, use a multimeter to test the continuity of each button on the control panel.

If a button has no continuity, it may be faulty.

Solution:

Here, you have to replace the faulty control panel on your Frigidaire dishwasher. Here’s how.

• Turn off the power to the dishwasher
• Open the door and secure it so that it does not close
• Using a screwdriver, unthread the different-sized screws to release the back cover
• While holding both the back and front door panels, close the door. The back panel should slide off.
• Locate the control panel and remove the cover
• Disconnect all the wires and unthread all the screws.
• Remove it and replace it with a new/functional control panel.
• Switch on the power and test the control panel
• If the issue is resolved, screw the door panels back together.

Models Most Affected

Below is a list of some of the Frigidaire Dishwasher models that I have across with this problem. Despite the difference in features among these models, they use similar parts. 

So, this guide works for almost any Frigidaire dishwasher model.

Model Number	Name
FFBD2406NB4A	Frigidaire 24” Built-In Dishwasher Black
FFBD1821MW	Frigidaire 18” Built-In Dishwasher
GLD2250RDQ3	Frigidaire GLD2250RDQ3 Dishwasher
PLD2850RDC0	Frigidaire PLD2850RDC0 Dishwasher
FGIP2468UF	Frigidaire Gallery 24” Dishwasher
FGID2466QFA	Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher
FFBD24NS1A	Frigidaire Dishwasher FFBD24NS1A
FDB710LCS0	Frigidaire Dishwasher FDB710LCS0
FGB2435NB0A	Frigidaire Dishwasher FGB2435NB0A
FGHD2433KF1	Frigidaire Dishwasher FGHD2433KF1
FDB520RHS2	Frigidaire Dishwasher FDB520RHS2
FFCD2413UW1A	Frigidaire FFCD2413UW1A Dishwasher
FDB1050REC4	Frigidaire Dishwasher FDB1050REC4
FFID2426TD2A	Frigidaire Dishwasher FFID2426TD2A
FFBD2408NW8C	Frigidaire FFBD2408NW8C Dishwasher
FDB4315LFC3	Frigidaire FDB4315LFC3 Dishwasher

Conclusion

Well:

There you have it – 12 valid reasons why your Frigidaire Dishwasher is not starting.

Evidently, some of the issues are easy to DIY. For instance, checking the child lock, delay function, or whether the door is properly closed. 

However:

As a parting shot, Mark explains…

“I’m sure the last thing anyone wants is to damage their appliance further. So, if in doubt about a fix (mostly advanced issues), it’s advisable to seek professional help.”

That said…

Feel free to share your questions and experiences in the comments below. And even better, use our ‘Ask the Expert’ section to get one-on-one assistance and free advice.

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